What’s On In Wellington In 2024

Arts and culture capital of Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington is packed with an epic lineup of things to do. From tasty kai, all the laughs and live music that slaps to theatrical masterpieces, cultural workshops and festivals like WOW, nature walks, wine, elite sport and the Marvel exhibition world premiere. All this and more. 

Lights, camera, action. Here’s the lowdown on what’s on in Wellington in 2024.

What's On In Wellington In April 2024

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812

Hannah Playhouse Wellington | 20 April – 4 May

Image credit: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 | Supplied

Get your diary open and mark these dates—you won’t want to miss this one. Dave Malloy's Tony-nominated musical masterpiece, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet Of 1812, blends folk, indie-rock, and electro-pop for an one-of-a-kind experience. Set to dazzle Te Whanganui-a-Tara, this modern take on War and Peace follows Natasha's impulsive romance and Pierre's existential journey against the opulent backdrop of 19th-century Russia. With breathtaking visuals and an innovative score, catch this extraordinary production at the Hannah Playhouse for an unforgettable evening of theatre. Book your tickets this way.

Flora & Fizz

QT Wellington | 10 February - 5 May

Image credit: QT Wellington | Supplied

If you find yourself attempting to manifest a cocktail in your hand, best make a beeline for QT to make things right. From February through to May, QT Wellington is transforming into an enchanted world of Flora & Fizz with first-class champagne tastings and a stunning Champagne High Tea during weekends, complete with macarons, Chaource cheese puffs and salted caramel-spiked hazelnut layered dacquoise cake. Dreamy.

Dinosaurs After Dark 

Te Papa | 26 April 

We’re pretty sure interpretive dance, sound explorations and dino-themed arts and craft would be powerful enough to reroute any asteroid so it’s fitting the Ngā Taniwha o Rūpapa | Dinosaurs of Patagonia exhibition will be bade farewell with exactly that. Snag a ticket to this adults-only extravaganza here.

What's On In Wellington In May 2024

Swan Lake 

St James Theatre Wellington | 1-5 May 

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is one of the most famed ballets of all time and, this May, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, choreographed by Russell Kerr, will bring it to life in a riveting display of physical skill, musicality and grace. Think of it as the ultimate soundbath. 

2024 NZ International Comedy Festival 

Various | 3-26 May

Laugh until you almost wet your pants with over 150 artists and 600 comedy shows up and down the motu. The NZ International Comedy Festival is always a good time and the Wellington lineup is no exception.

With some serious talent in the wings, you’re spoiled for choice. Choose from the likes of Guy Montgomery, Ray O’Leary, Tom Cashman, Nazeem Hussain, Melanie Bracewell, Guy Williams, and so many more. 

Macklemore 

TSB Arena | 8 May 

That’s right, it’s the return of the Mack. And by that we mean Macklemore live in concert. So get ready to pop some tags, reminisce about the good old days and party like the ceiling can’t hold us. It’s going to be glorious. 

Dawn French Is A Huge Twat

Michael Fowler Centre | 21 - 22 May

Make way for the Queen of British comedy and all-round icon, Dawn French, who’ll be serving Wellington a generous helping of “twattery” as she recounts all her most embarrassing moments.

The one-woman stand-up show is guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles. Sure to sell out, if you’re a fan of French you better hop to it and swipe yourself a ticket to Dawn French is a Huge Twat, stat. 

The Wellington Food Show

Sky Stadium | 24-26 May

Image credit: The Wellington Food Show | Facebook

Foodies are well looked after with The Wellington Food Show. Tonnes of exhibitors await you, with plenty of artisan food and drink to sample, plus free live cooking demonstrations, and the chance to meet-and-greet culinary greats. Watch this space to find out who… 

What's On In Wellington In June 2024

Rob Schneider Live

Sky City Theatre, Auckland | 15 June

Image credit: Rob Schneider Live | Supplied

The one and only Rob Schneider is gracing Auckland with a hilarious one-night-only show that’s guaranteed to have you in stitches by the end. We’ve loved him in Hot Chick, Grown Ups, Big Daddy, 50 First Dates and You Don’t Mess With The Zohan (talk about a throwback); he’s taken the infamous SNL stage with good mate Adam Sandler; and the hit Netflix docu-series Real Rob has won our hearts.

Now, the director-producer-writer-actor-comedian is coming to the Sky City Theatre on Saturday 15 June. Tickets are on sale now, so go-go-go before they sell out.

Lōemis Festival

Various Locations  | 9 June – 21 June

Get ready folks, Lōemis Festival is making a return to Te Whanganui-a-Tara this winter. It’s set to be a huge two weeks with a meaty program stacked with epic events. Highlights include an eight-hour Sleep Concert, a self-playing musical installation, a city-wide audio experience, a massive market, a gothic feast using foraged foods led by acclaimed chefs Max Gordy (Graze Wine Bar) and Shepherd Elliot (Shepherd Restaurant), a silent film with a live music score, and (somehow) a ton more. Get the full program and book your tickets over here.

Doctor Who Worlds Of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction

Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre  | 1 June - 28 October

If you’re a fan of BBC’s Doctor Who, the Doctor Who Worlds Of Wonder is a must. The immersive exhibition boasts characters and worlds straight from the show as well as delving into the science behind time travel. And you might just finally learn why the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. 

Winetopia

TSB Arena | 7-8 June

If you’re anything like us and a cheeky vino (or three) goes down a treat, you’ll be stoked to hear the much-loved Winetopia is returning for a triumphant eighth season. The two day wine celebration will feature 50+ prestigious wineries from all over Aotearoa will showcase their wines serving everything from Albarino to Syrah and plenty of Pinot too. So, round up your boozy pals, raise a glass or three, and get ready to taste all of the best drops in the motu. 

Chocstock

Harbourside Centre | 21-23 June

Image credit: Chocstock | Facebook

A whole weekend dedicated to the divinity-in-bar-form that is chocolate? Count us in. Returning after a two-year hiatus Chocstock, in collaboration with chef Peter Gordon, is a two-day chocolate festival for grown-ups that champions small-batch craft chocolate made locally with rare cocoa beans. Get ready to gorge. 

What's On In Wellington In July 2024

Chris Parker 

The Opera House Wellington | 13 July

The inimitable Chris Parker goes full Millennial in his latest show, bemoaning social media, the kids on TikTok and his phone.

If you’ve heard even just a single syllable from Chris Parker before you’ll know this is going to be one heck of a show—hilarious, clever and, at times, perhaps too relatable. Round up your mates, snag a bunch of tickets and get ready to laugh until you cry.

New Zealand International Film Festival

Various | 31 July - 1 September

Tickets at the ready, our largest film festival is back and it’s brimming with cinematic goodness. Taking place across five iconic Pōneke locations—Embassy Theatre, The Roxy, Lighthouse Cuba, Lighthouse Petone and Penthouse Cinema—the NZIFF’s a cosy indoor festival that’s the perfect tonic to the winter blues. Stay tuned for the programme drop.

What's On In Wellington In August 2024

Visa Wellington On A Plate 

Multiple venues | 1 - 31 August

Eat your way from the Kāpiti Coast to Wellington City with Visa Wellington On A Plate. With a vibrant array of festival events and pop-ups, and dine and cocktail creations, you’re in store for more culinary excitement than you can shake a fork at.

And this year the theme is ‘Play With Your Food’ so expect next-level, whimsical concepts and tastes. Foodies, consider yourself served. 

Burger Wellington 

Various | 5 - 25 August 

Image credit: Burger Wellington / Facebook

An extension of Visa Wellington On A Plate, Burger Wellington is dedicated to everything that fits between two buns and it’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

Presented by Garage Project, there’ll be plenty of craft beer to wash down your burgers. Speaking of, you’ll be able to rate every burg you bite into over those two weeks with the ultimate burger being crowned at the end of the festival. 

We Will Rock You 

St James Theatre Wellington | 15 August

Fancy a romp through a futurist comedy set to a score of Queen’s most beloved bangers? You’re in luck. We Will Rock You is exactly that.

Based on a book by Ben Elton (Blackadder), the musical takes place years in the future where a planet once called Earth is controlled by a mighty corporation and rock music is banned. It’s guaranteed to blow your mind. 

Beervana

Sky Stadium | 23 - 24 August

The mecca of brewskies, Beervana is all about raising a pint to good beer and the people who make it. Flock to it Wellington’s Sky Stadium for two days of beers, brewers, and bites.

And if beer isn’t your thing, you can absolutely still get amongst, with cider, mead and ginger beer options available. Score. 

What's On In Wellington In September 2024

Japan Festival Wellington

Multiple locations | 14 September

Every two years Japan Festival Wellington springs to life in and around the city, in a nod to the wonderful richness of Japanese culture. From marital arts and J-Pop to tea, cosplay, Taiko drumming, and more Japanese food than you can wave a chopstick at (don’t though—that’d be hella rude), this one-day cultural festy is not to be missed. 

World Of WearableArt Show

TSB Arena | 26 September - 13 October

Image credit: WOW | BEYOND, Avant-Garde Section, Jaxson Cook 

Quintessentially Wellington, one of the best things to do in the capital is immerse yourself in WOW a.k.a. The World of WearableArt.

Prepare to be awe-inspired by creativity that knows no bounds, where designers from all over the globe painstakingly combine fashion, art, design and costume in pieces brought to life by dancers, aerialists, and performers. The theme for the 2024 World of WearableArt Show is WOW Show: DREAM AWAKE and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. 

With a completely new stage design and storeys-high audio-visual projections, you'll be able to get closer to gawk at the astounding garments and be immersed in six awe-inspiring dreamscapes directly influenced by the competition design themes. Hell yes.

“The 2024 WOW Show: DREAM AWAKE will transport audiences to surprising and unexpected places. We have jaw-dropping performances, unique aerial artistry, extravagant costumes, state-of-the-art 3D projection and lighting, and of course phenomenal wearable art from around the world, all coming together in a visual spectacle you can only experience at WOW," says Executive Creative Director Brian Burke. Sold? Get your tickets here.

In Wellington for a good time and a long time? We've rounded up the best things to do in the capital. 

Main image credit: WOW | Seraph, Sasha Wisniowski, Australia 

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